Gerard Cafesjian 100th Birthday

April 1, 2025

This April marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Gerard L. Cafesjian (1925-2013), the art lover and Twin Cities businessman whose collection forms the foundation of the CAT Museum.

Mr. Cafesjian was born on April 26, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York, to Armenian immigrant parents.

From an early age, Mr. Cafesjian loved art and sought opportunities to surround himself with it. Although his family did not have much money, Mr. Cafesjian took advantage of free museums in New York City, including the world-class Metropolitan Museum of Art. This deep appreciation for human creativity and unique art forms would stay with him throughout his life.

During World War II, Mr. Cafesjian served in the United States Navy on the USS Oceanographer and the USS Andres.

During the war, he met nurse Cleo Thomas, and after the war they married. Mr. Cafesjian went on to earn an undergraduate degree in economics before attending law school at Hunter College. He began work as a legal editor for West Publishing while still living in New York City. The company then transferred him to Minnesota, where they had their headquarters, thus establishing Cafesjian family roots in the St. Paul area. Mr. Cafesjian eventually became West Publishing’s executive vice president in charge of sales, marketing, and public relations. He retired in 1996.

Mr. Cafesjian collected art throughout his adult life, amassing thousands of beloved objects that he proudly displayed in his residences and offices. His love of the arts and his dedication to philanthropy intersected in many unique ways. Locally, he is perhaps best known for having provided funds to save a historic 1914 carousel, which has been fully restored and now provides joy to riders of all ages at Como Park. However, his impact has been worldwide.  

In 2009, Mr. Cafesjian opened the Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Yerevan, Armenia. This dynamic arts center, which includes a massive museum building known as The Cascade and an outdoor sculpture park, welcomes over one million visitors annually to enjoy contemporary art. Mr. Cafesjian’s dedication to Armenia was also evident in his multifaceted philanthropic work throughout the country. To mark the occasion of his 100th birthday, the country of Armenia has issued a commemorative stamp and coin in Mr. Cafesjian’s honor.

Mr. Cafesjian instilled in his family a spirit of generosity and a love of art. When he passed away in 2013, his vast collection was brought together as the Cafesjian Art Trust. Embracing his legacy as a collector and as a champion of the arts, his daughter Kathie created a free museum in Shoreview, Minnesota to serve as a dynamic hub of creative inspiration and contemporary art. The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum (the CAT) opened in October 2022 and quickly became a beloved Twin Cities gem. The Museum continues to grow its collection, along with its slate of exhibitions and programming. This month, we celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr. Cafesjian while also looking ahead with great excitement to what the next 100 years of the incredible Cafesjian story will bring.